Serenity at Blue Osa

“It’s more than a vacation – it’s a way of life,” reads the motto of Blue Osa yoga retreat and spa near Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. After my week at Blue Osa in February, I wholeheartedly agree.

With very little communication with the outside world and several fabulous yoga classes each day in an indescribably beautiful setting, the week was a uniquely meditative and restorative experience, rejuvenating for both body and mind.

My visit was led by Jenny Guzon-Bae, a very talented yoga instructor and founder of Yoga Within You Retreats. Two years ago I had a wonderful experience on another one of Jenny’s retreats, at Shambala Petit in Tulum, Mexico. So, I was excited to sign on for Costa Rica, with two friends.

Blue Osa is a remarkable place with a remarkable history. In 2007, the founders happened upon a remote two-acre piece of land with majestic ocean views. Struck by an instinctive sense of what the land could become, they overcame multiple obstacles and “invested every cent.”  They had soon created Blue Osa, with exceptionally artistic architecture, eco-friendly construction and beautiful integration with the natural world.

The Blue Osa experience really lived up to the word “retreat”! The location truly is remote; after reaching Costa Rica, we spent an hour on a small plane and another hour driving. And from the moment we arrived, we were in a world apart from the routines and stresses of our everyday lives.

Each day, we woke to a rule of full silence and attended our first class at sunrise, facing the ocean and listening to the sounds of tropical birds and monkeys. After 7:30 am, we could talk with one another as we enjoyed delicious Costa Rican coffee and breakfast that included milk from a local farm, and fresh bananas and watermelon that reminded me of childhood.

In addition to yoga classes, we took expeditions that included visits to waterfalls, pedal-boarding, hiking through the jungle and swimming. At the spa, I delighted in a sea-salt and lavender scrub, an amazing Thai massage and a chocolate frappe body treatment! In our free time, we could walk through the retreat or find a quiet spot to sit and read, meditate or write our thoughts.

I was also privileged to visit the nearby Corcovado School, which the owners of Blue Osa help support. It was my pleasure to donate books, toys and tutus to the children, while getting to know the school’s mission.

Blue Osa days wound down with a gentle yoga class followed by delicious supper (mostly vegetarian), with beverages including pina coladas made with fresh ingredients. By 9:00, we were often enjoying refreshing sleep.

I loved so much about this trip. Simply getting away from the routine of our hectic work schedules was a gift to each of us. The workouts and relaxation were equally refreshing. I love both traveling with friends and meeting new people, and the week was full of memorable encounters.